Recognition of IB programmes

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is one of the world’s most exciting educational courses for 16-19 year olds.

It focuses on personal, professional and academic development and is globally recognized by universities for the holistic and rigorous education it provides.

The IB works hard to make sure the DP is globally recognized by universities, with its students gaining competitive offers for further study.

All DP curriculums are reviewed on a seven-year teaching cycle to ensure that each is fit for purpose in a changing world and incorporates the latest educational research and lessons learned from a thorough evaluation of the existing curriculum. The DP curriculum review is a collaborative process that aims to produce excellent, internationally minded, research-based curriculums and support material that enable students to develop the attributes of the learner profile and the IB mission, thereby providing an excellent preparation for life in the 21st century.

The contributions from university faculty towards the development and evaluation of our curriculums over the course of the 7-year teaching cycle are essential. Other opportunities to support curriculum development include participating in the assessment trial of a new component, joining a focus group on potential developments in a given subject area, completing a survey on teaching and assessment of a subject area at your institution, or writing a commissioned review of a new guide. If you have questions about programme development or would like to participate in curriculum or programme review activities, please email us.

How is the IB recognized in different countries?

There are IB World Schools in 156 countries throughout the world, and students send exam results to higher education institutions in nearly 90 countries annually. Given the wide diversity of local education systems it can be difficult to understand how the IB is recognized in various parts of the world.

Which universities recognize IB programmes?

Higher education institutions around the world admit students based on their IB credentials, and many have specific admissions policies and guidelines for IB students. Admissions criteria can vary widely across educational systems and selectivity of the institution.

University policy index

The university policy index [505 KB]includes examples of self-reported policy information provided by universities to the IB. Please check with individual universities prior to college application.

Where do IB students tend to go to university and how do they do once there?

There is a growing body of evidence on how universities value IB credentials, rates of college-going for IB students and types of institutions IB students tend to attend, preparedness for university level study and adjustment to university life. Read a brief introduction to research on postsecondary patterns of IB students.

Stanford University video series

Meet university admissions officers from institutions accepting IB students from around the world. They discuss their perspective of the IB and how prepares students for university success

Conferences

Each year, the IB gathers educational leaders, decision makers and practitioners from schools, universities and governments, as well as students, to discuss and develop ideas on international education.